They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning. WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.
In memory of my dear friend Edward (Ted) Slade R.C.N. 1933 - 2011. Also my Grandfathers. Alfred Arnold Chamberlaine R.S.M Kings Royal Rifles and Douglas Thomas Thrift, Royal Horse Artillery. Veterans of the Great War.

Friday, September 23, 2011

L/Corporal John Thomas Simmerson

778512 L/Corporal John Thomas Simmerson was born in Markham, Ontario on May 10, 1883. He would enlist is the 127th York Rangers Overseas BN C.E.F on January 16, 1916 in Newmarket, Ontario at the age of 32. At the time of his enlistment he was residing with his wife in Keswick, Ontario and was a Marine Engineer. For 9 years prior to his enlistment, he had also served in the 12th York Rangers, obtaining the rank of Colour Sergeant.

L/Corporal Simmerson would return from his service in France and he would eventually die at the age of 56 on April 22, 1939.

Pages

In Flanders Fields

A Forlorned Warrior Remembers

Canadian Enlistment Poster

Boys from Canada

Patriotic Song from WWI

Lest We Forget

Lest We Forget

While researching material for my blog on Pioneer Cemeteries of Peel & York Regions, I could not help but notice the number of graves found in local cemeteries that are for veteran's who were part of the Canadian Expeditionary Forces. So I started doing some research, especially on the "old sweats" of WWI. This is a heritage that has now passed from memory into history and as a C.F. Service Veteran myself and the granddaughter of two WWI veterans and the daughter of a Korean veteran. I feel it is important to show that these names on these monuments were also people. In addition the role played by Canadian Troops during this time in history.